CASE HISTORY AND SAMPLE CLIPS
Promoting Innovative Student Game
Rockets DePaul University to Fame
Although DePaul University, based in downtown Chicago, had created a strong computer science department offering game programming, animation, production and design tracks, the school’s game curriculum was largely unknown to game industry professionals. Along came Devil’s Tuning Fork (DTF), an innovative PC game created by students, which showcased DePaul’s multidisciplinary approach to game development and offering a winning mix of solid design, visuals and interesting game play. Recognizing the opportunity, DePaul hired The Bohle Company to get the word out.
PR Objectives:
• Generate the visibility that would get DePaul the recognition the university’s fine computer science and cinematic arts programs deserved
• Make it easier for DePaul graduates to find jobs
• Increase graduate student enrollment
Strategies:
• Get the media interested in reviewing the student game, Devil’s Tuning Fork
• Offer Q and As with the students themselves, which would allow mention of their fine training
• Promote any awards the student game won
• Place stories in the career, education and recruitment sections of game industry trade media
• Arrange for DePaul to have a presence at gamer events, which attract prospective students
• Get DePaul professors on panels at events featuring other university programs and shows prospective students attend
DePaul University knew it had an ace in Devil’s Tuning Fork (DTF), an attention-grabbing PC game created by students. Seeing the game as an opportunity to drive enrollment, the school hired The Bohle Company to make the most of the opportunity.
We first pitched reviews, then hit the enthusiast and local media again when DTF was named an Independent Games Festival (IGF) winner. More than 111,000 prospective students have watched the game’s trailer on YouTube.
